Aztecs Dismiss Safety Earley

Lyndon Earley, San Diego State’s leading tackler last season, was dismissed from the football team Wednesday by Coach Al Luginbill for what Luginbill described as a team disciplinary matter.

“It’s a personal matter,” he said, refusing further comment.

Asked if Earley would be allowed to return, Luginbill shook his head from side to side.

Several Aztecs, including defensive end Milt Wilson, Earley’s roommate, and John Wesselman, a defensive back, said Earley’s dismissal was strictly football related.

“He was warned a couple of times about his attitude,” Wesselman said. “We’re pushing for a positive attitude here.”

Wilson described the problem as “run-ins. Lyndon has a temper, but everyone knows Lyndon has a temper. I still think the (action) that was taken was really extreme.”

Earley was not available for comment.

Earley, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound free safety, had 109 tackles last year and tied for the team lead in interceptions with three.

A two-year starter, Earley will keep his scholarship through next year as long as he maintains a 2.0 grade-point average.

Earley is the third player the Aztecs have lost this spring. Quarterback Scott Barrick quit the team on Monday, and linebacker Haywood Mathis was ruled academically ineligible for spring practice.

Also Wednesday, freshman defensive tackle Brad Edwards dislocated his a joint in his foot and will miss the rest of spring practice, team physician Robert Straumfjord said.